Update on the Collective Agreement negotiations for Primary Principal bargaining
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Last updated 17 October 2025
Following 4 days of bargaining a first offer was made to the Primary Principals Bargaining Union (PPCBU) for the settlement of the PPCBU Primary Principals Collective Agreement (PPCBU-PPCA). The offer was presented to the PPCBU Executive on 13 October and was taken out to a members vote on 14 October. Voting concluded on 17 October, where PPCBU members voted in favour of ratifying the offer.
This offer reflects a constructive approach to negotiations, which enabled the parties to work through the issues raised to identify meaningful improvements for principals. The offer balances fiscal responsibility while recognising key concerns for principals about leading curriculum change, remuneration, and supporting sustainable leadership. The offer also includes a commitment to undertake a joint Review of the structure of principal remuneration in the term of the agreement.
The offer will provide a base rate increase to principals’ salary of 4.7% which will lead to increases between $7,490 to $10,027 within 12 months. This includes an additional $2,000 to their Leadership in Numeracy and Literacy Allowance for their efforts in implementing the new curriculum changes. In accordance with the Ministries new initiative for Aspiring & Beginning Principals, principals will also be entitled to a $5,000 per annum allowance for those that are eligible for and step into a mentoring role. Additionally, principals will be able to use $12,000 over the term of the agreement to access professional development opportunities for leadership.
Key elements of the offer:
Term: A 26-month term.
Remuneration: A total increase of 4.7% in the first 12 months for the 26-month term.
Leadership in Literacy & Numeracy: An increase to the Leadership in Literacy and Numeracy base. component to $10,000 per annum (25% increase). This increase is to recognise the significant work principals do the lead the curriculum.
Career Stage: Increases to career stage payments: Stage 1 $3,700, Stage 2 $6,900, Stage 3 $10,200.
Professional Learning & Development: A $6,000 fund for principals to access professional development for principal leadership (available twice within the term of the agreement).
Principal Mentor: An allowance for principals who are appointed as mentors, under the Ministry's new Aspiring & Beginning Principals Scheme, of $5,000 per annum.
Specialist Schools: Increases to allowances for Specialist School Principals.
Mileage: Increase to mileage rates to 95c per km.
Unified Pay Scale: A commitment to a unified pay scale, linked to all principal collective agreements.
Additionally, the Ministry of Education and the PPCBU have agreed to undertake a joint Review of the structure of principal remuneration in the term of the agreement. This Review was agreed in recognition of a timely settlement.
